R. Dennis Hogan

R. Dennis Hogan of Merrill, Michigan 

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 85 years young. Robert Dennis Hogan was born on August 14, 1938, to the late William D. and Helen M. (Murphy) Hogan. Throughout his childhood, Dennis and his two brothers were notorious for shenanigans throughout the Village of Merrill. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School. Following graduation, Dennis attended Aquinas College and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly and honorably served his country. Upon his honorable discharge and return, Dennis went back to Aquinas College finishing his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education biology and life science. He met the love of his life, Barbara Louise DeLaVergne, on a blind date. They dated, fell in love, especially when Barbara saw him on his tractor, and they were united in marriage on August 14, 1965, at Holy Family Catholic Church; she survives him. Dennis then attended Central Michigan University where he received his Master's Degree in Counseling. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He absolutely loved being a family man. Dennis was a lifelong and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church volunteering as a catechism teacher, an usher, a money counter, working in the church garden, and countless other ministries. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing golf. Dennis' little piece of heaven was spending time at his beloved family farm. Whether he was tinkering in the garage or running his small engine repair business, Dennis enjoyed staying busy, as well as having both an intellectual and mechanical mind. He found a love for running with his colleagues at school, passing this down to his children. Dennis was also a Detroit Tigers enthusiast his entire life. He was proud of his Irish heritage and had a passion for music, especially playing the piano and banjo. To his family he was affectionally known as "grandpa popcorn" for his expert popcorn making abilities. Dennis was a priceless and profound soul to all who loved him. He left his indelible mark on this world through his wonderful sense of humor, for his selflessness and generosity to anyone in need, for his ability to inspire his children, grandchildren, and students with education, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Barbara L. Hogan of Merrill; four children: Jennifer (Bob) Jarabeck of Hemlock; Dennis (Lija) Hogan of Saline; Katie (Tony) Brown of Alto; Paul (Stephanie) Hogan of Holland; 11 grandchildren: Alison (Cody) Bell, Lindsay Jarabeck, Easton Brown, Jamahl Hogan, Ryan Brown, McKenzy Hogan, Sidney Hogan, Abby Hogan, Liam Brown, Nathan Jarabeck, Finn Hogan; one great-grandson, Rory Bell; three sisters-in-law: Wanda Hogan of Auburn; Penny Hogan of Suttons Bay; Bonnie (Allan) Reeves of Mason, OH. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by a beloved granddaughter, Keyan Hogan; parents, William and Helen Hogan; two brothers, Pat Hogan and Jim Hogan; a sister-in-law, Carol (Jim) Svetic.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Covenant Cooper SICU 7th floor for the love, compassion, and care they provided to Dennis and the family.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the auspices of the United States Army and VFW Post 7302 Hemlock/Merrill. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Make a Wish Foundation or Merrill District Library. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.